Derby victory delights Solari as Real Madrid fight back

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Derby victory delights Solari as Real Madrid fight back

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari was thrilled by his team's 3-1 derby victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday as the European champions forced their way back into the La Liga title race.Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale's goals allowed Real to condemn Atletico to their first home defeat of the season and move within five points of leaders Barcelona, who faced Athletic Bilbao yesterday.Solar...

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Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari was thrilled by his team's 3-1 derby victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday as the European champions forced their way back into the La Liga title race.

Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale's goals allowed Real to condemn Atletico to their first home defeat of the season and move within five points of leaders Barcelona, who faced Athletic Bilbao yesterday.

Solari took over with Madrid foundering in ninth place last October but victory over Atletico helped his team leapfrog their city rivals to climb to second.

"It was a team performance, strong in every aspect, probably our best game since December," Solari told reporters. "The key was the players - the physicality, the delivery, the heart and the talent."

Welsh winger Bale, who is finding it hard to earn a place in the starting line-up thanks to the form of Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez, sealed the points for Madrid with a low drive, which was his 100th goal for the club after joining from Tottenham in 2013.

"He's in phenomenal shape and came back into the dressing room delighted because of his goal," added Solari.